Yellowjackets Thriller Series Makes Its Debut on ITVX Streaming Platform
The gripping and critically acclaimed thriller series Yellowjackets, which draws inspiration from real-life disasters including the Andes flight incident, has now been added to the ITVX streaming service. This move establishes ITVX as the exclusive free-to-air destination in the United Kingdom for this hit US production, offering viewers a chance to dive into its intense narrative.
A Survival Epic with Deep Roots in History
First premiering in 2021, Yellowjackets was created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, weaving a tale that echoes the harrowing experiences of the Andes flight disaster and the historical Donner Party. The series unfolds across multiple timelines, with the first season depicting a group of high school soccer players struggling to survive in the wilderness after a plane crash in 1996. The second season, set 25 years later, delves into the lives of the survivors as they attempt to rebuild and confront their traumatic past.
A synopsis describes the show as "equal parts survival epic, psychological horror story, and coming-of-age drama", chronicling the descent of the team from a cohesive unit into savage clans. It emphasizes that the past continues to haunt the characters, with events from the wilderness far from concluded.
Critical Acclaim and Stellar Cast Performance
The ensemble cast features Sophie Nélisse, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, and Samantha Hanratty portraying the teenage survivors, while Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Juliette Lewis, and Christina Ricci play their adult counterparts. The first season received widespread praise, with reviews highlighting its addictive and unsettling nature.
IGN Movies noted, "Yellowjackets sets up a fascinating mystery that feels inspired by the rawest parts of Alive, The Lord of the Flies, and Lost." Vulture described it as "a hybrid of other shows that nonetheless forms its own compelling teen/adult psychological study." RogerEbert.com commended its binge-worthy quality, stating, "the writing keeps building on itself, growing in potency."
Variety warned that the show would "creep under your skin", and viewers have hailed it as a "revelation" and a "must-watch" that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The series boasts an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has garnered numerous accolades, including:
- 10 Emmy nominations, including outstanding drama series
- Acting nominations for Melanie Lynskey and Christina Ricci
- Three Writers Guild of America Award nominations
- Five Television Critics Association Award nominations
- A Peabody Award nomination
- A Critics’ Choice Award
Controversial Themes and Viewer Advisory
For those new to the series, a cautionary note: season two escalates to depict full-blown cannibalism among the stranded teenagers. Melanie Lynskey, in an interview with Metro, advised viewers, "I wouldn’t watch it with dinner or lunch." She expressed that while cannibalism fascinates many, it is "the least interesting thing" to her, emphasizing the show's multiple layers beyond this graphic element.
Lynskey reflected on fan reactions during season one, noting that some viewers on Reddit demanded more cannibalism, to which she responded, "It should be other things making you want to watch the show." This highlights the series' depth, blending psychological drama with survival horror.
Availability and Future Seasons
With three seasons already released and a fourth and final season scheduled to air this year, Yellowjackets continues to captivate audiences. The addition of the first two seasons to ITVX this week expands its reach, allowing UK viewers to stream it for free. The series is also available on Paramount Plus, ensuring broad accessibility for fans of thrilling, character-driven narratives.
